Police in South Korea have arrested a man in his 60s following a confrontation involving an air pistol that erupted after an illegal gambling session turned sour. The incident in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face with underground gambling in the country.

According to Yeongju Police Station officials, the trouble began on February 27 when the accused and several acquaintances gathered for an illegal gambling session at an office in the city’s Punggi neighbourhood. When the session ended badly for the suspect, a heated argument broke out with the rest of the group.

Confrontation at Food Stall

The situation escalated when the group moved to a nearby indoor street food stall. The accused followed them. This time armed with an air pistol. Despite the weapon being unloaded, he pointed it at his former gambling companions and pulled the trigger. The release of high-pressure gas created a loud noise that caused panic among diners at the establishment.

One member of the group immediately contacted police. The suspect fled to his home, where officers found themselves in a tense stand-off. During the confrontation, the man turned the unloaded weapon on himself, pulling the trigger while aiming at his own head. He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Police have charged the man with intimidation and illegal possession of a firearm. Officers confirmed he held no permit for the weapon. The investigation remains ongoing.

Separate Armed Robbery Case

In a related incident reported by MBN, Seoul police arrested a taxi driver accused of attempting armed robbery to cover gambling debts. The suspect entered a store in the early hours of March 7, brandishing a weapon and demanding 2 million won (around £1,060) from the owner.

When the store owner refused, the driver allegedly took a 10,000 won note from the till before fleeing in his taxi. Police apprehended him almost immediately. During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted the robbery was motivated by gambling debts.

These incidents come shortly after six gambling-addicted teenagers in South Gyeongsang Province took advantage of an amnesty period to surrender themselves to police. The cases show the wide-reaching impact of illegal gambling across different age groups in South Korea.

South Korean authorities continue to maintain strict controls on gambling activities. Most forms remain illegal for citizens outside of designated facilities and the state-run lottery system.